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Sunday, December 10, 2017

I've been subscribing to +Gothridge Manor / Tim Shorts The Manor since the first issue. I've used bits and pieces in my campaigns over the years. Its really good stuff.

The Manor #9isn't just good stuff. Its awesome stuff, and I'm not just saying that because its an issue dedicated to Swords & Wizardry Light. I'm saying it because it simply is true.

First we get 4 god specific take on the Cleric class. While only cover through 3rd level (or 4th, depending on how you look at it) its easy to extrapolate the full seven levels for Swords & Wizardry Continual Light. Well thought and and inspirational for others that might want to do similar for their own campaigns.

Next up is a listing and defining of new monster traits. Monster traits are what makes monsters different from each other and this is a damn solid list. Tim, I'll be stealing this.

Then we get the table set - well, random table that is - with detailed encounters. I've already got this pegged for use in my SWCL game that is restarting in January at the Farmingdale Library out on Long Island.

Last but certainly not least, Tim gives us the Crooked Man Tavern. Its a tavern meant to be placed in a local dungeon and its oozing with atmosphere. Besides, I'm partial to Taverns. Now, how do I place this in Barrowmaze for next month's festivities? ;)

Yes, it was a long wait for the current issue of The Manor but it was well worth the wait.

Tenkar's Tavern is supported by various affiliate programs, including Amazon, RPGNow, and Humble Bundleas well asPatreon. Your patronage is appreciated and helps keep the lights on and the taps flowing - Your Humble Bartender, Tenkar

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Why "Swords & Wizardry?"

Believe me when I say I have them all in dead tree format. I have OSRIC in full size, trade paperback and the Player's Guide. I have LL and the AEC (and somewhere OEC, but I can't find it at the moment). Obviously I have Basic Fantasy RPG. Actually, I have the whole available line in print. Way too much Castles & Crusades. We all know my love for the DCC RPG. I even have Dark Dungeons in print, the Delving Deeper boxed set, Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea (thank you Kickstarter) (edit) BOTH editions of LotFP's Weird Fantasy and will soon have some dead tree copies of the Greyhawk Grognards Adventures Dark & Deep shipping shortly in my grubby hands awaiting a review..

I am so deep in the OSR when I come up for breath it's for the OSR's cousin, Tunnels & Trolls (and still waiting on dT&T to ship).

So, out of all that, why Swords & Wizardry? Why, when I have been running a AD&D 1e / OSRIC campaign in Rappan Athuk am I using Swords & Wizardry and it's variant, Crypts & Things, for the second campaign? (Actually, now running a S&W Complete campaign, soon to be with multiple groups)

Because the shit works.

It's easy for lapsed gamers to pick up and feel like they haven't lost a step. I can house rule it and it doesn't break. It plays so close to the AD&D of my youth and college years (S&W Complete especially) that it continually surprises me. Just much less rules hopping than I remember. (my God but I can run it nearly without the book)

I grab and pick and steal from just about all OSR and Original resources. They seem to fit into S&W with little fuss. It may be the same with LL and the rest, but for me the ease of use fit's my expectations with S&W.

Even the single saving throw. That took me longer to adjust to, but even that seems like a natural to me now. Don't ask me why, it just does. Maybe it's the simplicity of it. At 45 48, simplicity and flexibility while remaining true to the feel of the original is an OSR hat trick for me ;)